2006 Oncology Demonstration Codes Released

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is making extensive revisions to the 2005 Oncology Demonstration Project for the coming year. The 2005 Oncology Demonstration Project centered on the submission of G-codes corresponding to nurse assessment of side effects from chemotherapy. However, for the 2006 Oncology Demonstration Project reimbursement will be per service during an office visit not solely for chemotherapy treatment, and the G-codes will be used to record how well oncologists follow evidence-based practice guidelines. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has listed out the newly revised 2006 G-codes that are essential for oncologists to learn so they may properly code and receive full reimbursement under the 2006 Oncology Demonstration Project.  In addition, ASCO has assembled a spreadsheet so practice managers can calculate the effect of the 2006 Demonstration Project on their office.